Sandblasting

Sandblasting is done on all parts that come into our shop unless specified otherwise. This ensures that your parts are clean of any existing coating, Rust, Oxidation and or contaminates. All blasting is done in house so you do not need to worry about your parts going to another shop after you already dropped them off.

Not sure what should be Sandblasted...

All of your parts should be blasted before coating. Period. Some shops do not believe in this process and will actually coat over an existing coating (we've seen it a few times). You are always going to have problems if your pieces are not 100% clean. You wouldn't expect to paint over dirt\rust and expect it not to come off, would you...? We spend a lot of time to ensure that all pieces that we process are clean of all existing coating, Oxidation and Rust. Your coating will only be as good as the prep work, Period.

Should I use paint stripper or try to strip my pieces before bringing them in.......

Please do not use any chemicals before bringing your pieces in! If you use a simple degreaser and or soap and water that is ok. One problem we have had over the years is people try to save money by trying to pre-strip their pieces before bringing them in. The problem is they used a chemical and did not rinse it off all the way. Not only does this cause problems in the sandblasting media we use (possibly making it all garbage) but it is also hazardous to us as we need to move your pieces around while blasting resulting in some of the chemical spilling out and causing chemical burns on our employees. We ask everyone just to bring in their pieces free of grease and oil and to leave the stripping to us. If there is a chemical spill from a chemical you used, you will be charged for all of the sandblast media we will need to dispose of and also for all hazardous material fees.

Do I need to paint my pieces if I opt not to Powder coat...

Yes, once your pieces are blasted and in bare metal form you will need to coat them immediately. Once in bare metal they will be exposed to the elements which will result in surface rusting within hours if the conditions are right. We can use a metal protector on your pieces that you would need to wash off and blow dry prior to painting. This will be discussed at time of drop off.

Do I need to make an appt...

For most powder \ ceramic coating jobs we like you to make an appt but walk ins are always welcome. Keep in mind that our turn around time will be longer than if you scheduled an appt.

For just sandblasting work, No appt is needed unless you are bringing a quantity of pieces.

453 S Vermont st. Palatine IL 60067 Contact us at 1-847-485-7779 or at Freshstartcustoms@att.net